(Eagle News)–Criminal charges have been filed against Daraga, Albay Mayor Carlwyn Baldo and several others over the killing of Rep. Rodel Batocabe.
In a press conference, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the charges for double murder and six counts of multiple frustrated murder were filed against Baldo, Danilo Muella, Henry Yuson, Rolando Arimado, Emmanuel Roselio, Jaywin Babor and Christopher Naval before the Albay Provincial Prosecutors Office on Thursday, Jan. 3.
According to Albayalde, based on a statement of witness Emmanuel Judavar, who went to authorities and admitted to taking part in the plan to kill Batocabe in August 2018 but backed out, it was Baldo who ordered the killing after the congressman announced he was running for mayor of Daraga.
Albayalde said Naval, who later surrendered, corroborated Judavar’s statements in an extrajudicial confession.
Roselio, who has also surrendered to authorities, has yet to issue a statement to police.
Baldo, who had plans of running for mayor again in 2019, had reportedly promised to pay P5 million, and paid an initial P250,000 for the purchase of guns and motorcycles in September.
Albayalde added it was Naval who put together the group, composed of former members of the military and former New People’s Army rebels, who were already known contract killers “under the payroll of the mayor” under different aliases.
According to Albayalde, based on their investigation, Yuson and Arimado both pulled the trigger, but the main gunman was Yuson.
Arimado allegedly served as lookout, while Roselio drove the getaway motorcycle vehicle.
Albayalde said he has recommended for Baldo’s deputation authority over the local police to be removed, and has ordered for the mayor’s licenses to hold firearms to be revoked.
“This is a victory of the rule of law in this country..and a stern warning to unscrupulous politicians..,” Albayalde said.
Batocabe was about to board his vehicle from a gift-giving activity in Daraga when he was attacked.
His security escort, SP01 Orlando Diaz, was also killed in the incident that caused injuries to several others.
